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3. Dealer Selection

When reports surfaced last April that the Renault-Nissan (R-N) would share technologies with Mercedes-Benz, the news was a bit surprising, especially considering that Daimler, the German giant behind Benz, has a checkered past in international alliances. (Namely its failed relationships with Mitsubishi and Chrysler.)

But this time it’s going to be different, we’re told, because bosses from the tri-nation partnership spent “a significant amount of time” working out details of exactly how each will benefit from the technology exchange, according to an insider.

Apart from rumors of a future Infiniti model employing a next-generation S-Class platform and a Nissan V-6/hybrid combination, some of the most exciting news focuses on a small Infiniti incorporating a Mercedes engine. Slated to debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March, the new Infiniti coupe will employ a next-generation B-C-sized platform co-developed by Renault and Nissan that is also destined to form the basis of the next Nissan Tiida and Renault Megane. Taking on almost identical dimensions to that of the Mercedes CLC, the new luxury two-door will be powered by a Mercedes 1.8 liter, four-cylinder CGI turbo that generates 202 hp and emits 171g/km of CO2. This will be Infiniti’s smallest luxury car to date.

In addition to the moves outlined above, Mercedes wants access to R-N’s electric vehicle know-how as well as its extensive global infrastructure investment. Another facet of the R-N portfolio that Mercedes plans to tap into is the alliance’s low-cost, high-quality small-car lineup — including its 1.2-to-1.6-liter 3- and 4-cylinder gas engines, a segment that the German manufacturer believes will expand in the near future.

Meanwhile, R-N wants to get its hands on Mercedes’ high-quality, fuel-efficient 4- and 6-cylinder engines, most notably the powerplants that include the 1.8-liter CGI turbo, and the 3.0- and 3.5-liter V-6 units. R-N also wants to source Bluetec V-6 diesel engines to power its luxury Infiniti lineup, creating a double-pronged gas-hybrid and diesel lineup for Europe. R-N believes that only by employing the cleaner Mercedes engines can it meet the 120g/km CO2 emissions regulations coming into force in 2015.